Flo Pickering was a Chairman of BDAC serving in the position for many years. She was a JP and attended many NSALG Conferences as a delegate, as well as all this she and her husband Fred were Committee Officers on Lower Tinkers Farm allotments (Allens Cross Gardening Guild), in Northfield. Upon losing her dear husband Flo presented the BDAC with the Fred Pickering shield for the best children’s exhibit in the annual show Fred as well as Flo was committed to encouraging youngsters and this was a fitting tribute. After retiring as Chairman she continued to actively serve on the BDAC Executive. As President she supported the then Chairman, Clive Birch, until she sadly passed away after a short illness.

In honour of all Flo’s work and her involvement and encouragement towards newcomers to allotments it was decided to introduce The Flo Pickering Memorial Trophy for best newcomer to allotment gardening in Birmingham and the favoured winner will be presented with a trophy to have and to hold for a year!

What is a ‘newcomer’?

To enter this competition, they must have started on their plot no earlier than the 1st October of the previous allotment year, so by the time the judging happens in July, they will have been developing their plot for 22 months or less depending on when they started their tenancy. Also, this must be their first allotment plot, so people who have moved from another site may not enter – but they can be entered the Best Plot Competition.

What will the judges be looking for?

Clearly the judges will not be expecting the same as you might find on a plot which has been maturing for several years. But they will be looking for things like:

• A plot well stocked with a broad range of crops, free of pests and weeds.
• A wide range of healthy crops which could include vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs and crops originating in other countries.
• Good planning and maintenance of paths, structures and leisure areas.
• A tidy and pleasing visual appearance.
• Following of BCC rules.
• Signs that the potholder has taken environmental impact into account – such as composting arrangements, water harvesting, organic methods of dealing with pests and accommodating wildlife and pollinators.
• Any signs of an irrigation system linked to mains water supply will disqualify an entry. The plot will NOT be judged.

CLOSING DATE: 28th June 2026